First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The median home value here is around $77,900, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $77,900 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Worth the trade-offs? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
camila_living
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Thomas Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Allison Lee
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in South area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
David Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Zoey Cooper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Samuel Smith
The food scene here is average. Tons of great sushi places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
18 upvotes
Alice Cox
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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